HOLYOKE — A 43-year-old man was arrested early Friday and expected to be charged with attempted murder and multiple fire-related crimes in connection with six outdoor fires set around the city over the past week, including one that ignited a tent with a man sleeping inside.
The arrest was made by State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and by Holyoke police, following an investigation into the fires, which authorities believe are connected, the Fire Marshal’s Office said in a statement.
The suspect has not been named, however, a report from the office says he was likely to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court on Friday.
Three of the fires were started in the area of 268 and 298 Race St., which were reported early Sunday morning at 5:45. Those fires damaged a dumpster, shed and another structure.
Three more fires were discovered shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday in the area of 109 and 145 Maple St. One of these fires involved a tent in which a man was sleeping. This man reported that he woke when an adult male held a lighter to the tent, igniting it. He escaped without injury and the suspect fled, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office. This fire is the basis of the attempted murder charge.
“Any of these fires could have caused serious injury or worse in addition to the property they damaged,” Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said.
